Double death riddle

SHOCKING discovery... The bodies of two pensioners were found at the house in Ogden Road

POLICE are investigating the deaths of two pensioners at a house in Failsworth yesterday.

Police were called to the end terrace house on Ogden Road just before 11am following reports that a man and a woman, believed to be in their 60s, had been found dead.

The woman was named locally as Mary Murphy, a retired office worker believed to have lived in Ogden Road for most of her life. The man has been named only as John, a friend of Mary’s, by local residents.

There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances, but forensic officers remained on the scene for several hours.

The news of the deaths shocked the local area, with many residents visibly upset and shaken.

Mary was a regular worshipper at nearby St Mary’s RC Church, where Priest Father John McKeown described her as well-liked.

He said: “It is tragic. Mary was a part of the church community and the wider community. People here will be shattered to hear of it.”

It is believed the pair were found after a friend became concerned. After calling at the house, the friend and her husband found Mary and the man lifeless at the foot of the stairs.

A neighbour said: “I am so upset my next door neighbour has passed away, and her friend John too.”

Another added: “It is very upsetting and we are in mourning. We knew them very well and the whole thing is very sad.”

Details have now been passed to the coroner.